Hayden Panettiere is finally opening up to fans with an update on her relationship with Brian Hickerson. The two have dated on and off since 2018, in a relationship marred by incidents of domestic violence. The couple split after an incident in 2020. Hickerson was charged with eight counts of domestic violence and assault against Panettiere.
In a profile interview with The New York Times, Panettiere provided some insight into where she and Hickerson currently stand. She mentioned that the two of them reconnected after they both got sober.
This is a step after Hickerson's arrest. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail after pleading no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse/cohabitant/girlfriend/child's parent, according to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office. He was also sentenced to four years probation, ordered to take 52 domestic violence classes and pay a $500 fine, and given a five-year restraining order.
More From LittleThings: See Inside Hayden Panettiere’s Stunning Nashville Home That Just Hit The Market
Panettiere experienced several altercations with Hickerson. He was also arrested in 2019 on allegations of abuse and domestic violence against Panettiere. Those charges were later dropped, though, after Hickerson pleaded not guilty.
In July of 2020, Panettiere released a statement via Twitter speaking up about her experience in their relationship. "I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me with the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve," she wrote.
A couple years later, though, the two were seen together and ended up being involved in a massive brawl outside of an LA bar in 2022. A video clip shows the two of them fighting with a large group of individuals, lasting for several minutes as they moved from the hotel patio into the street. Hickerson was still on probation at the time of the altercation.
The 33-year-old actress told People in a 2022 statement, "I am open to people who are willing to get help and make amends. He's gone to treatment and done his time. And I'm trying to live in a place of forgiveness.
"I think about the things I have done in my life that people forgave me for. Making amends is a really important thing that you learn in treatment. And it gives you a lot of inner peace."
In her interview with The New York Times, she mentioned that their reconciliation was "contingent on him continuing on this road of recovery." She also went on to make sure that people knew she didn't jump into their reconciliation lightly. "He knows he deserved what happened to him."
The New York Times noted that during the interview, which was conducted at Panettiere's condo, Hickerson was there. They also said she referred to him as "babe" throughout the interview. She also admitted that there are still feelings between the two of them.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic abuse, you can find help and support at DVIS.org, the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or by contacting your local women's shelter (domesticshelters.org).
